How Cold Weather Impacts Your Energy Bill

When temperatures drop, you may notice your electric bill climbs. It’s not just your imagination! Cold weather can significantly impact energy use. By making small changes at home, you can stay comfortable while keeping electric bills under your control.

Heating Systems Work Harder

Your home’s heating system is usually the biggest factor in high energy bills. Electric furnaces, boilers, baseboards, and heat pumps run longer and more often to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures. Even if your thermostat stays the same, your system works harder to offset the difference between frigid outdoor air and your desired indoor warmth.

What You Can Do:

Use a programmable thermostat to schedule a lower temperature when away or sleeping. Replace filters and service systems regularly to ensure efficient heating.

Auxiliary Space Heaters

Portable space heaters can significantly increase winter energy costs. Running a single 1,500-watt space heater nonstop could add nearly $100 to your monthly bill, before demand charges, making these devices expensive for supplemental heating.

What You Can Do:

Use space heaters sparingly. Instead, consider wearing additional layers or cozy blankets. Hang insulated curtains in the winter to help reduce drafts.

Insulation & Efficiency Matter

Older heating equipment and poor insulation can make matters worse. Drafts around windows and doors let warm air escape, forcing systems to run overtime.

What You Can Do:

Seal leaks, close fireplace dampers, and consider energy-efficient upgrades to your windows, doors, insulation, and/or heating systems.

Find more energy savings here.